This month I wanted to touch on a subject that I think is too often overlooked when it comes to selling (or renting out) a home. The lighting in the property really sets the “mood” for the property, and having the right lighting in the property can have a very positive impact (financially and otherwise) on your transaction. Conversely, having the wrong lighting can have a very negative impact, so it is important to get it right!
By lighting, I’m not necessarily referring to the light fixtures themselves (although it is helpful to have appropriate, nice looking fixtures – and they don’t necessarily have to be expensive to look nice). I am really really referring to the light bulbs themselves. Things to think about when evaluating the lighting in your property include:
- Is the light fixture appropriate for the location, in good condition, and installed correctly?
- Are the lightbulbs the appropriate size, type, and LOOK for the fixture (you would not put the same lightbulb in the vanity light bar in the bathroom as you would in your nightstand lamp – even though the “size” may be the same)
- Are the lightbulbs the appropriate wattage and brightness for the location? Typically a lightbulb in the 2700 to 3000 lumens range is what is appropriate for indoor residential lighting – something lower will make the property appear “dreary” and something brighter will make it feel like an operating room. Some people do prefer dimmer or brighter lighting for themselves, but when trying to “market” a property for sale or rent you want to make the home feel appealing and the lighting can really make the difference (without the prospect necessarily realizing it).
- Do all of the lightbulbs match? For instance, in the kitchen, all of the ceiling lights should have the same sized lightbulbs of the same “color” (same brightness/lumens). You can sometimes have different types of bulbs in different locations in the home, but you should never “mix” different types, sizes, or shapes of lightbulbs in a grouping or close in location to each other.
Hopefully that sheds some light (pun intended!) on how to “stage” your property properly with lighting. Please feel free to call me with any questions that you have regarding this or anything else real estate related. Our office is open 7 days a week for your convenience, and I’m looking forward to assisting you!
Laura Harbison, ABR, AHWD, BPOR, BS, CDPE, CRS, DRB, GRI, PSA, RSPS, SRES
Broker/Owner REALTY EXECUTIVES SOUTHERN NEVADA PROPERTIES
License Numbers B.0026537LLC PM.0164922.BKR